FAMILY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Veterans’ Service Program October 18, 2011

Veterans’ Service Program Veterans’ Service Challenges Response to Challenges PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Veterans’ Service Program Veterans’ Service Challenges Response to Challenges PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Established by Florida Statute in 1945 to advocate for Department of Veterans’ Affairs (VA) benefits claims. Assist veterans in obtaining pension, disability, medical and educational benefits from the VA. Three service locations: –Mable Butler Building –Apopka Service Center –VA Medical Center Veterans’ Service Program

PRESENTATION OUTLINE Eligibility by Section 38 Code of Federal Regulations Dependents may qualify for health care, compensation and education Disability claims process: –12 to 18 months for first decision –> 60k claims pending at Regional Office (RO) –From 3 to 10 years for appeals –Nationwide, 70% of Appeals are granted or remanded to RO Veterans’ Service Program

Medical VA Regional Office Adjudicator (Opinion / Ruling) Service Medical Records – Obtained / Used Proper Claim Development Application of 38 C.F.R. Private Medical Records VA Medical Records Military Hospital Records File Claim Decision C & P Exam Client Medical Opinion Return for Follow-up Supporting Documents Vet's Input C & P Doctors Opinion Good Exam IAW 38 C.F.R. VA BENEFITS CLAIM

Get Medical Evidence Compensation & Pension Exam CLAIM APPROVAL Notice of Disagreement FORM Years Months 3 Years Statement of The Case Rating Decision Board of Veterans’ Appeals NO YES File Claim NO FLOWCHART FOR APPELLATE PROCEDURE

Veterans’ Service Program Fiscal Year Veteran Benefits Generated $Millions

Veterans’ Service Program Veterans’ Service Challenges Response to Challenges PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Veterans’ Service Challenges Florida Statistics : Number 3 in total Veterans population Number 1 for Vets over 65 years of age Number 1 for Vets > 50% Service Connected (SC) disabled Florida is 35 th when it comes to VA Health Care Funding Dollars!

PRESENTATION OUTLINE VA Medical Center: –111,000 One Time visits, 2010 –Busiest in Nation –To remain open as Clinic in 2012 Veterans’ Service Challenges

PRESENTATION OUTLINE New VA Hospital: Starts stage staffing Fall 2011 Target opening October 2012 Two Veterans Service offices Veterans’ Service Challenges

Veterans’ Service Program Veterans’ Service Challenges Fiscal Year Veteran Clients Served

PRESENTATION OUTLINEVeterans’ Service Challenges 76,000 Veterans (6 th in state) 60,000 eligible wives & widows 2010 census grew 28% High number Local Guard & Reserves New Hospital With current staffing can effectively serve 9,500 (7%)

Veterans’ Service Program Veterans’ Service Challenges Response to Challenges PRESENTATION OUTLINE

Response to Challenges Immediate Response Reclassify vacant position on manning table to a Veterans’ Counselor Future Response When new VA Hospital opens, request to add two positions to the manning table

FAMILY SERVICES DEPARTMENT Veterans’ Service Program October 18, 2011